Dragon tooth and McAfee goatee! (Day 58)

It seems we have been very lucky with the weather. The whole week was consumed by rain and fog, but since yesterday the sky is blue and the sun is coming out. Today was predicted to be eventful as we hit the 700 mile mark, begin the Virginia Triple Crown, and stop by a convenience store to pick up some much-needed snacks.

dragon tooth

NOBO Hiking makes Dragon’s Tooth our first stop on the Triple Crown. I was excited, but I had never actually heard of it until a few days ago. McAfee Knob was the only landmark of the three that he had been aware of. When I arrived, I immediately realized that this rock had an appropriate name. It looked like a tooth sticking out of the mountainside. I went up just a little bit and was mesmerized by the view. It really was the perfect day for it.

Refreshment break

Afterwards, there were quite a few rocks climbing down. I was thinking about how difficult it can be to do this SOBO section. My next stop of the day was Route 624, where you can veer off the trail and take a short hike to Catawba Grocery. It was more of a convenience store, but a group of us were excited for snacks, ice cream, and cold drinks. It was a warm, sunny day, and the store had a small-town feel. A guy playing the harmonica in the front entrance and collecting money in a cap added to that atmosphere.

We finished just as Huckleberry of Huckleberries Hostel pulled up. He offered us a ride back to the trailhead even though we weren’t staying at his house. I learned that he is a former Marine and hiker, and I was grateful for his help.

McAfee Knob

The last few miles of the day were a slow climb up McAfee Knob. I was excited to arrive at such an iconic spot on the AT, but my energy for the day was also waning. I arrived at the viewpoint just a few hours before sunset. A warm wind was blowing and the sky was crystal clear; It could be seen from miles away. Sometimes going up and down tree-covered mountains is difficult and a bit monotonous. But suddenly you come across something that reminds you of the beauty around you. I feel closer to God in those moments.

It was less than a mile from McAfee Knob to the Pig Farm campground. Despite its name, there were no pigs and it was actually very pretty. There were a lot of hikers camped there, I found a good campsite and went to bed without making dinner. I was thinking it was a hard day and I felt like it was worth it. But now I realize that is true for all my days.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.